'Ahu'ula Earrings Vermeil Studs

  This piece was commissioned by the De Young Museum in San Francisco, for the opening of the exhibit Nā Hulu Ali'i - Royal Hawaiian Featherworks The cloaks (‘ahu‘ula) and capes were handcrafted of plant fibers and rare feathers from endemic birds of the island. They provided spiritual protection to Hawaiian chiefs, proclaiming their identity and status. This piece is patterned after one of the capes of Kauikeaouli or Kamehameha III and is named after this great Chief. It serves as a reminder, regardless of where we come from to stand proud of our cultural identity. 14k Vermeil 1.5in (w) x 1in (h)